Climbing and Mountaineering

What rock climbing and mountaineering equipment should you choose to be safe in the mountains?

The ice axe is probably the most iconic piece of kit of the perfect alpinist. To progress on a rock climbing wall, venture on a glacier of conquer high altitude summits, the list of gear items can be quite long. Glisshop has selected for you, among brands such as Petzl, Camp, Grivel, Black Diamond, … the equipment suited to your level and goals. It goes from climbing shoes to carabiners or harnesses. There are also ropes and lanyards, climbing helmets, mountaineering crampons, ice screws or even via ferrata equipment.

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What equipment do you need for indoor climbing?

If you've decided to take up indoor climbing, here is the minimum equipment you'll need to get started:

A climbing harness
A belay device
Climbing shoes
A chalk bag
Possibly climbing glasses

Since the facility is normally equipped with quickdraws and rope, you don't need to invest in this equipment for now.

What climbing equipment do you need for outdoor crag climbing?

Outdoor climbing requires more equipment since crags are not equipped the same way as indoor facilities, and the risks are also different.

In addition to the basic indoor climbing equipment, you'll need to add:

A single climbing rope
Possibly a rope bag to keep the rope off the ground and clean.
A climbing-certified helmet
A set of 12 quickdraws to clip to the bolts on the rock face
A loop sling for tying a self-locking knot for safely rappelling
A climbing sling or lanyard, preferably double, to secure yourself once you reach the belay stance on multi pitch routes
Carabiners for setting up a belay stance
A rescue link in case of an issue when lead climbing
The site guidebook

For multi-pitch climbing, you can add a double rope, which is often more practical in manoeuvre than a single classic rope and has a lower impact force in case of a fall. You might also consider bringing a sling or two to equip non-chained belay stances or to extend a quickdraw for your second on a delicate passage.

And for traditional climbing?

If you're interested in trad climbing, it means you're already a skilled climber. To practice this clean form of climbing, you'll need climbing protection such as nuts, cams and friends, to create effective anchor points as well as a good amount of loop slings. You'll also need more carabiners to be prepared for all situations.

This list should already help you identify the equipment you'll need depending on the type of climbing you wish to get into.

What equipment do you need for bouldering?

For indoor bouldering, the equipment is minimal: you only need a pair of climbing shoes and well-prepared fingers. Depending on the gym's rules, you can add powdered chalk or a tube of liquid chalk.

Outdoors, however, such as at Fontainebleau, you should consider investing in a good crash pad to avoid painful falls back to the ground.

Mountaineering and mountain equipment buying guide. How to choose the right gear?

Choosing mountaineering equipment is an integral part of preparation before each mountain expedition. Having the right equipment is a necessity before setting off on a climb. Essential, mountaineering equipment provides safety and confidence. Nothing is worse than struggling with defective or inadequate equipment, right? Alpine terrain demands careful preparation and equipment that, while having its preferred field of application, still offers great versatility. This is particularly true for your ice axe(s), as well as your mountaineering crampons. Walking on a glacier is not something to take lightly, so here are some tips to prepare the best possible way:

List of basic mountaineering equipment:

- Mountaineering ice axe

The mountaineering ice axe is useful in many situations. It allows to hike on glaciers among crevasses with a pick that grips strongly in snow or ice. Opposite the pick, there is either an adze or a hammer. The adze is ideal for cutting steps or for preparing a deadman anchor, while the hammer is used for efficient piton driving. Regarding weight, remember that you're carrying everything in or on your backpack, and every gram saved makes climbing that much easier. Glacier hiking ice axes are rather light, often weighing less than 300 g. They are preferably attached to the front of your pack. This type of ice axe can also be used as a walking stick if you choose the right length. With your arm extended, it should reach your ankle.

- Mountaineering crampons for mixed and ice climbing

Crampons are essential for all outings on ice or hard snow. There are multiple attachment systems depending on your mountaineering boots:

Automatic crampons
Hybrid crampons
Strap-on crampons

It's important to test compatibility before setting off on the adventure. A ski touring boot and a rigid mountaineering boot with front/rear welts work with all three types of bindings: strap-on, semi-automatic, or automatic crampons.

Crampons come with 10 or 12 points and are made of aluminium or steel. For glacier hikes, aluminium points are sufficient. Lighter, they are less cumbersome to carry in the backpack and are lighter on the foot during the walk. Steel points are recommended if you encounter rocky passages or very live ice. Steel crampons are essential for ice climbing, for instance.

You can also choose a versatile half-alu half-steel model like the Hybrid crampons from Petzl.

- The different types of ropes

When progressing in a pair, you must be connected by a rope to prevent a potential fall or other accidents. For walking on glaciers, a double rope is ideal due to its light weight and small diameter. Perfect for performing a rappel, this 2-strand rope secures you twice. It can even be used to belay two seconds simultaneously. It's also advisable to carry a static rope for crevasse rescue or lifting a load as efficiently as possible.

- The climbing harness

For mountaineering or ski touring, every gram counts! Opt for a light and comfortable harness that can easily be worn even with a backpack. Preferably, a model with adjustable and detachable leg loops to put on your harness without having to take off your skis or crampons.

- Essential accessories:

In addition to the basic equipment, it will be necessary to complement your equipment list with accessories and hardware such as carabiners, cords, descenders, ice screws, nuts, and of course a mountaineering helmet that will protect you from falling rocks. Not to forget technical clothing suitable for mountaineering such as mountaineering boots, insulating merino wool base layers, mountaineering gloves, hardshell jackets with membranes, headlamps, and sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

Discover the best equipment in store and online with leading brands:

At Glisshop, you will find all the technical equipment from the biggest mountain brands such as Petzl, Millet, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Mammut, Black Diamond, Climbing Technology, and many others at the best price as well as professional advice if you ever need assistance.